The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has moved to strengthen security across Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain with the implementation of the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework.
The Authority on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) to commence the implementation of the framework, initially focusing on inbound air cargo.
The agreement, according to a post on the agency’s X handle is expected to provide a structured basis for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment, while enhancing the integrity and security of Nigeria’s air cargo system.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chris Najomo, the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA), described the development as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture and build a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
Najomo stressed that the MoU was more than an agreement, noting that the signing marked the beginning of the actual implementation process.
He urged the partner companies to remain committed to the agreed procedures and ensure that the framework was properly implemented.
The DGCA assured the partners that any ambiguity or challenges that might arise during implementation could be brought back for discussion and resolution.
Peter Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of Firstway FZE and GSDS, said the project had taken about nine to ten months, and possibly longer, to reach the signing stage.
He assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to delivering the project successfully, promising that they would not disappoint the Authority.
Igbinedion expressed appreciation to the DGCA, directors and the NCAA team for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector and demonstrate the capacity of the companies.
Also speaking, Mary Tufano-Eche, the Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, said the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate and necessary to protect the interests of the Authority and preserve the integrity of the arrangement.
She described the initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, noting that the country was taking a significant step in an emerging area of air cargo security implementation.
According to her, although the MoU may not be a perfect document, it provides a solid starting point and should be viewed as a living document capable of being amended as implementation progresses and new requirements emerge.
The ceremony culminated in the formal signing of the MoU and a group photograph, with the NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS expressing their commitment to the successful implementation of the PLACI framework.
The initiative is expected to strengthen advance information available to aviation and security stakeholders on inbound air cargo, supporting more effective risk assessment and contributing to a more secure and internationally compliant air cargo supply chain in Nigeria.
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